Why Inclusive Hiring Creates Stronger Workplaces

Posted on August 31, 2026

In recognition of Disability Employment Month, a Client Advisor for People with Disabilities from the WorkBC Sidney team reflects on the importance of recognizing strengths, reducing barriers, and creating inclusive employment opportunities

By Jennifer Batten

When we think about disability, we often picture conditions that are visible and immediately recognizable, yet many people live with complex health conditions, permanent work injuries, and chronic illnesses that may not be visible to others. Regardless of the nature or severity of a disability, I have consistently found throughout my career that most people want the same things we all want: to contribute, to feel valued, and to have a meaningful sense of purpose.

Part of my role as a Client Advisor for People with Disabilities is to see beyond the disability and, in collaboration with my clients, identify meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities that align their strengths and abilities with their goals. This means looking beyond limitations and focusing instead on what each individual can contribute, while also identifying the supports or accommodations that may help them succeed.

Individuals with disabilities are often viewed through the lens of what they may be incapable of doing rather than through their gifts, talents, and potential. Every person, regardless of their abilities, has something to offer an employer. Some individuals may require workplace accommodations or additional support, but these measures can enable them to contribute their skills and strengths effectively. With the right opportunity and support, people with disabilities can become invaluable members of a team and make significant contributions to their workplaces.

In 2024, nearly 8 million Canadians aged 15 and older—27% of the population identified as having one or more disabilities. Among working-age adults aged 25 to 64, 62% of people with disabilities were employed, compared with 78% of people without disabilities (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2024). People with disabilities are also more likely to experience barriers to employment and to be employed in lower-paying positions with fewer opportunities for advancement (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2013).

At WorkBC, we support our clients in overcoming some of these barriers by developing resume-writing and interview skills, identifying suitable employment opportunities, and helping clients recognize and communicate their strengths. For individuals with greater support needs, we may also work directly with employers to explore customized employment opportunities and provide on-the-job training and coaching when needed. These supports are valuable not only because they assist clients in their job search, but because they can help build confidence and empower individuals to recognize their own abilities. Knowing that they have support throughout the process can make a significant difference as clients take steps toward employment.

For employers, creating opportunities for people with disabilities is not simply about fulfilling a social responsibility. It can also bring meaningful benefits to the workplace. Employment and Social Development Canada have identified potential benefits associated with hiring people with disabilities, including increased profitability, improved employee retention, reduced turnover, and fewer concerns related to reliability and punctuality. Employers may also experience benefits to their company image and customer loyalty as a result of creating more inclusive workplaces (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2013).

Another important consideration is the perspective that people with disabilities can bring to the workplace. Many people with disabilities have developed creative strategies for navigating barriers in their everyday lives. This experience can contribute valuable perspectives on problem-solving, accessibility, and innovation. In addition, many people with disabilities have successfully completed post-secondary education and possess the education, skills, and qualifications required for roles that demand higher levels of training and expertise (Employment and Social Development Canada, 2013).

Inclusive workplaces can also benefit from greater diversity, increased employee morale, and improved interactions among coworkers and customers. When employers create environments where people with different experiences and abilities can contribute, everyone has the opportunity to learn from perspectives that may differ from their own.

Although many employers have made important progress toward greater inclusion in recent years, there is still much more that can be done to support people with disabilities in securing and sustaining meaningful employment. A simple first step is to remain open to the possibility that a person with a disability can be a capable, motivated, and valuable member of a team.

Ultimately, inclusion in the workplace is about more than providing someone with a job. It is about recognizing potential, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for people to contribute their skills and experience in meaningful ways. People with disabilities do not want to be defined by what they cannot do. Like most of us, they want to be seen as capable and valuable members of society. Sometimes, all that is needed is for someone to look beyond the disability and see the person.

Whether you are a job seeker looking for personalized support to reach your career goals or an employer ready to build a more inclusive, dynamic workforce, WorkBC Sidney is here to help. Connect with the WorkBC Sidney team today to explore our specialized services, coaching, and employer resources.